What does the internet mean to older adults? Evidence from research on health information behavior

As the amount of health information available on the Internet continues to expand (such as digital health records, online consultation services, and support groups), people have more opportunities to enhance their daily well-being. Meanwhile, the Internet became integral to accessing health information and services during and after COVID-19. The evidence regarding the Internet's impact on improving the well-being of older adults, however, is mixed and inconsistent in academic research. To address these inconsistencies and better understand the Internet's role, this integrative review synthesized literature on the health information behaviour of older adults. Six databases were searched for English-language studies published from the earliest records available in each database through September 2025. After screening, 87 studies were included in the synthesis. This review identifies and explains three major themes: health information needs, health information seeking, and health information use. It demonstrates that although the Internet can be a valuable health information resource for older adults, its usefulness is shaped by age, digital and health literacy, social support, trust, Internet design, and the availability of interpersonal and professional sources. Overall, the Internet is best understood as a supplementary health information source for older adults. These findings can help healthcare providers and web designers develop more accessible, trustworthy, and supportive online tools for older adults in the post-pandemic era.